Hello, my name is Simon Whitaker and this June, July and August 2022 are very special for me.

I want to celebrate by raising £3,000 for Maggie's - 'Everyone's home of cancer care’- who have many support centres. Please read on for the reason why the centre in Leeds, Maggie's Yorkshire has been important and why these next 3 months are so special.

This is why 2022 is a time to celebrate,

• 44 years ago I got my Equity card No 87142 and started my 'Live' journey.

• 40 years ago in June I opened the first Stage One bank account.

• 40 years ago in August the Stage I Supplies mobile shop opened at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

• 40 years ago Simon Wood aka 'Woody' and I started working together at York Theatre Royal.

• 60 years ago in June Steve Dolan aka ‘Dodgy’ – the first employee and life long friend was born.

• 65 years ago Woody was born in June and myself in the July - wow!!

If possible, please help me to celebrate these milestones by donating to Maggie's.

Why this cause?

Cancer effects us all in some way and at Stage One there has been no exception. Mark Johnson has undergone treatment recently and last year Simon Wood was diagnosed and is currently undergoing treatment in Leeds. Maggie's Yorkshire have been brilliant in supporting him and his family during this time. Woody remains extremely positive and the treatment along with messages of love and support are helping him to fight for the future.

10 years ago Stage One built the 2012 Olympic Cauldron designed by Thomas Heatherwick. The Heatherwick Studio designed the very building Maggie's Yorkshire are housed in!

I hope through personal and industry friends and colleagues to raise £3,000 over the 3 months. It would mean a lot to me, Mark, Woody, our families, the greater Stage One family and friends to help this very worthy charity to continue, grow and offer the much needed support to others being diagnosed with cancer and having to undergo what can be gruelling treatment and an anxious time for them and their families.

By way of support to this appeal and to look back on the last 40 years I have started a Facebook page "Stage One - Through Time"

You can send messages of love, support, stories and post pictures you may have of the 'early years'. I hope we can have a bit of a trip down memory lane, raise a smile and have a laugh along the way.

Much love and thank you to everyone who has been involved in my journey over the last 65 / 40 years.

Love to you all, Simon x